My last major World Show as Congress Queen was the National Snaffle Bit Association World Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was my first time at this show, so it was so much fun getting to experience the show behind the scenes and watch some of my friends compete! Stephanie Lynn, NSBA Executive Director, and the NSBA awards team were so welcoming! I worked with Kamiah and Dianna during the week. NSBA gives out such nice prizes along with their NSBA World Show trophies. Some of the competitor favorites were the moscow mule cups and the fly sheets. Tribute also sponsored another special award for the most senior horses competing in each division with a leather halter which I think just goes to show how talented our quarter horses are no matter their age! In the 13 and under division, the most senior horse was 22 years old! I also was able to see some of our Congress Queen sponsors like Keith from That’s Invintage again (one of my favorite boutiques!), Glamorous Threads, Logans, The Tack Room, Brinks, ShowGirls Apparel, and more!
Our first day, we had hunter jumper classes to present and then in the evening was the Heroes on Horses Parade. I took part in carrying a flag in the parade which is filled with so much pride for our country and those who serve/served to protect it. There were 13 riders in the Heroes on Horses that all did a wonderful job! We also had a guest presenter, Will Summers, a former “12 Strong” special forces horse soldier. It was a pleasure to briefly meet him and then also hear him speak at the NSBA Banquet as well! The Heroes on Horses event is filled with so much American pride and I am so proud to be a part of a community that pays our respects to those who have served and continue to serve our country to protect our freedoms. Thank you for your service!
During the week, I was in the Ford Truck arena and was able to watch lots of impressive western pleasure, hunter under saddle, pleasure driving, western riding, and showmanship classes. I had the privilege and honor to present one of my very good friends I made through my queening journey, Morgan Jennings, her first NSBA World Champion Trophy in the Amateur Pleasure Driving! I also got to present some classes with Gordon, from the Equine Chronicle, which is always so much fun! He brings so much energy and excitement to the show! Sunday evening was the NSBA Banquet where quarter million dollar riders, million dollar riders, NSBA Horses of the Year, Hall of Fame inductees, and scholarship award winners were recognized. Will Summers, special forces horse soldier, was the guest speaker and shared his story serving his country and being challenged to defend while riding horseback right after 9/11. He also generously donated 6 bottles of his Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey that were signed by his team who served alongside him. This live auction brought over $40,000 to the NSBA Foundation!
Wednesday evening was the exciting CINCH Horsemanship Challenge. The previous day, riders competed to be in the top 15 that showed to win a portion of the $15,500. The riders were given 4 potential patterns to study for the challenge. 10 minutes prior to the start of the class, the riders were given the 1 chosen pattern of the 4 and then given 10 minutes to practice in the arena with their trainers. After the 10 minutes were up, trainers went to the stands and the riders showed their pattern! It was an incredibly impressive group of youth and amateur riders and Giorgia Grace Medows was the one to win it! Congratulations!!
Thank you NSBA for your wonderful hospitality! Next stop is Ontario to the OQHA Summer Finale Show! Can’t wait to see Darcy Woods, the 2021 Congress Queen!
